The UK government has reiterated its commitment to press freedom in the UK, just three days before Lord Justice Leveson publishes his long-awaited report on the industry, which many suspect will call for state regulation.
Both Prime Minister David Cameron and Foreign Secretary William Hague have stressed that they have not been privy to any advance copy of the report and thus cannot yet give a reaction to it but Hague has proclaimed himself a ‘big supporter of the freedom of the press’.
Commenting during an interview on BBC One’s Andrew Marr Show Hague said: ““None of us have seen the report yet. So, although I’m a big supporter of the freedom of the press, I’m also a big supporter of actually reading something before you pronounce on it.
“We will have to do that, but in my case, from that philosophical viewpoint that you have to err on the side of freedom.”
A host of prominent Conservative politicians including London Mayor Boris Johnson, Educatiuon Secretary Michael Gove and Chancellor George Osborne have reportedly lined up to argue against state regulation.
Cameron is officially remaining neutral for the next 72 hours however, with his spokesperson saying: “The Prime Minister is open-minded about Lord Justice Leveson’s report and will read it in full before he makes any decision about what to do.”
It is widely believed however that he will move to reject any move toward political oversight of the press (if it is made), favouring greater self-regulation instead.
A group of disgruntled celebrities who have fallen foul of the press in the past are calling for the creation of an independent regulator backed by law, a move Labour would support if backed by Leveson.
Leveson will publish his report on Thursday at 13:30 after making a short statement.